Now he's telling the truth...

Kari Chisholm

With a hat tip to to BlueOregon reader David English, here's Gordon Smith's quote of the week. From the AP:

Asked how he counters a Democratic wave, Smith quipped, "I'm a big boy. I can take it. I'll just learn how to surf."

Surfing.

Pretending he's BFFs with Barack Obama, Ted Kennedy, and Ron Wyden... Yeah, we can call that "surfing", Gordon.

Suddenly discovering that Oregon voters care about universal health care, ending the war in Iraq, and county timber payments... Yeah, we can call that "surfing", Gordon.

Enjoying millions of dollars in right-wing and corporate special interest attack ads all while proclaiming your independence and bipartisan moderation.... Yeah, we can call that "surfing", Gordon.

Of course, as Wikipedia notes, surfing can be dangerous:

Surfing, like all water sports, carries the inherent danger of drowning. Although a surfboard may assist a surfer in staying buoyant, it cannot be relied on for floatation, as it can be separated from the user. The use of a leash, which is attached at the ankle or knee, keeps the surfer connected to the board for convenience but should not be used as a safeguard to prevent drowning. The established rule is that if the surfer cannot handle the water conditions without his or her board then he or she should not go in. ...

Local surfers can be violent when it comes to protecting their surf break from tourists or outside surfers. Some surfers have been known to form gangs that surf in a certain break or beach and fiercely protect their "territory" from outsiders. These surfers are often referred to as "surf punks" [or "bloggers" - editor.]

Try not to wipe out, Gordo.

By Kari Chisholm Oct. 21, 2008